Invisalign® FAQs

Read the answers to our frequently asked questions to learn more about Invisalign clear aligners at Apple Dental Care, or send us your question!

Click on the questions below to read each answer.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of clear orthodontic aligners that straighten your teeth without traditional braces.

At the start of treatment, advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used to create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom aligners will be made to fit your teeth during each stage of treatment.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth by tiny increments during your treatment. You will wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day for about two weeks before you replace it with the next one in the series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their corrected positions. The length of your treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific case.

How long does Invisalign take?

Your dentist will determine the length of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific case and the amount of movement required to fix the issue.

Factors that may affect the length of treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw and the shape of your bite.

What are Invisalign aligners made of?

Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins, and are BPA-free.

How often do I have to visit the dentist?

You only need to visit the dentist for brief appointments about every 4 to 6 weeks to review your progress. That's because Invisalign aligners don't require regular adjusting or tightening like traditional braces do.

What are the primary features of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are:

Clear and discreet

Smooth and comfortable

Removable for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your case and the length of your treatment. The more severe your misalignment issues are, the more aligners you will need and the more your treatment will cost.

Ultimately, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic braces.

How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?

Invisalign aligners can fit very comfortably into your day-to-day life.

You can take them out to eat and drink, so there are no dietary restrictions. You can also remove them to brush and floss, so there are no disruptions to your oral health routines. Just be sure you wear them for the required 20 to 22 hours each day.

Because of the low-profile appearance of Invisalign clear aligners, the impacts on your social life are also very minor because many others won't even know you're wearing them.

Are there any food or drink restrictions?

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can take them out to eat. This means there are no dietary restrictions and you can continue to eat and drink all the things you love!

How many sets of aligners will I need?

The number of Invisalign aligners you need will depend on the severity of your case.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need.

Can adults use Invisalign?

Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.

Many adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because of low-profile options like Invisalign.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has aligners that were created specifically for teenagers, which offer additional features including:

Compliances indicators that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks, to help teens stay on on track with treatment

Stageable eruption tabs that provide space for second molars to grow in

Six sets of replacement aligners to help reduce the treatment delays caused by lost or broken aligners.

How often do I have to change my aligners?

Most patients change to their next set of Invisalign aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will set out how often you should switch out your aligners in your treatment plan.

How do I clean my aligners?

Rinse your aligners each time you remove them. This will help to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can cause dental decay and bad breath.

If you remove you aligners, brush and floss your teeth before you put them back in. This will help to remove food debris and bacteria that might otherwise get trapped between your teeth and the aligners.